Short-Acting Stimulants

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.

Intermediate and Long-Acting Stimulants

Side effects of these medications include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, and tics. Long-acting medicines may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisors are also concerned about the possibility that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may increase the risk of heart and psychiatric problems.

Antidepressants

Side effects include sleep problems. The FDA has also issued a warning about a connection between antidepressants and an increased risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24, especially in the first one or two months.

Seizure or Irregular Heartbeat

Another ADHD medication, atomoxetine (Strattera), is not a stimulant, but it has been linked to seizures and irregular heartbeats. So the FDA suggests people with a history of those problems stay away from it.

Abuse or Addiction

Some people misuse ADHD stimulant drugs. They might crush the pills and snort them to get high, which can lead to a dangerous overdose.

If you don't have a history of substance abuse, it's unlikely you'll go down that road. But if you do, you could be at risk for misusing your ADHD drugs.

Talk to your doctor honestly about your past or current drug abuse. He can help you decide if ADHD drugs are OK for you.

Psychiatric Problems

ADHD drugs may be tied to some mental health issues, but it's rare. For instance, some people have reported behavior problems like aggression and hostility. Others say they developed symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The FDA has also warned that there's a slight risk that stimulant ADHD drugs could lead to mood swings or symptoms of psychosis -- like hearing things and paranoia.

Skin Discoloration

The methylphenidate transdermal system (Daytrana) skin patch has been associated with a skin condition known as chemical leukoderma. This condition causes permanent loss of skin pigmentation at the place where the patch is applied.

How to Weigh the Risks

Work with your doctor. Together you can decide if ADHD meds are safe for you.